How do you identify peer support group needs?

1 Define your purpose

Before you start or join a peer support group, you need to have a clear idea of what your group is about and what you want to achieve. What is the common issue, interest, or identity that brings you together? What are the benefits and expectations of being part of the group? How will you measure your progress and success? Having a shared purpose will help you attract and retain members, as well as guide your activities and decisions.

2 Know your members

Your peer support group is made up of individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and needs. To create a supportive and respectful environment, you need to know who your members are and what they are looking for. You can use surveys, interviews, or feedback forms to collect information about your members, such as their demographics, preferences, goals, challenges, and satisfaction. You can also encourage members to share their stories, opinions, and suggestions during group sessions or online forums.

3 Choose your format

Your peer support group can take different forms depending on your purpose, members, and resources. You can opt for face-to-face meetings, online platforms, or a combination of both. You can also decide on the frequency, duration, and size of your sessions, as well as the level of structure and facilitation. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option, as well as the accessibility and availability of your members. You can also experiment with different formats and see what works best for your group.

4 Plan your activities

Your peer support group needs to offer meaningful and relevant activities that meet the needs and interests of your members. You can use your purpose and feedback as a basis for planning your activities, such as discussions, workshops, guest speakers, social events, or advocacy campaigns. You should also consider the objectives, outcomes, and evaluation of each activity, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the organizers and participants. You can also involve your members in the planning process and solicit their input and feedback.

5 Establish your norms

Your peer support group needs to have a set of norms or rules that define how your group operates and interacts. These norms can cover topics such as confidentiality, communication, participation, decision-making, conflict resolution, and boundaries. You should develop these norms collaboratively with your members and make sure they are clear, consistent, and respectful. You should also review and update your norms regularly and address any issues or concerns that arise.

6 Monitor and improve

Your peer support group needs to monitor and improve its performance and impact over time. You can use various methods and tools to collect and analyze data on your group's activities, outcomes, and satisfaction, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or observations. You can also compare your results with your goals and expectations and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You should also seek and implement feedback and suggestions from your members and stakeholders and celebrate your achievements and milestones.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?